Best Workers Comp Insurance In Iowa For Your Business (rates from $34/month)

By Licensed Agent:  Sa El

Published:: April 22, 2024

Updated:: January 11, 2025

Workers' compensation insurance is a vital part of any business. And suppose you are one of the 271,000 Iowa small business owners, entrepreneurs, freelancers, or sole proprietors. In that case, you know that every business should have coverage in case an employee is injured on the job.

But, what's the best workers' comp insurance for businesses in Iowa?

We made this quick and easy guide to assist you in finding the best free workers comp insurance quotes in Iowa. You'll learn about costs, what's covered, exclusions, and more.

More Of The Best Companies For Workers Compensation Coverage In Iowa Below...

NEXT Workers Comp Insurance

Best For Home Based Businesses 


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Next offers a number of policies that can be purchased individually or bundled together

Compare quotes from Next Insurance

Thimble Workers Comp Plan

Best For Business Owners Policies


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Thimble is an online insurance agency that sells business insurance online and fast. 

Compare quotes from Thimble Insurance

How Much Is Workers Comp Insurance In Iowa?

The median for worker's comp insurance in Iowa is $34.00 per month or $408 per year. In IA, workers' compensation insurance costs may differ significantly depending on several criteria, such as the sort of business you run, its location, and your safety record.

Who Has The Cheapest Workers Comp Insurance In Iowa?

Huckleberry has the cheapest workers compensation insurance cost in Iowa, with rates starting as low as $34.00 per month. They also offer instant estimates, no-commitment quotes, and instant coverage.

How Does Workers Compensation insurance Work In Iowa?

Workers' compensation insurance is a type of insurance that provides benefits to your employees if they suffer an occupational injury or sickness.

This coverage, also known as workers' comp or workman's comp insurance, may help pay for your injured or sick employees' medical costs. It can also assist with lost income due to missed work.

Workers' compensation insurance is designed to help you and your employees avoid financial harm caused by workplace injuries such as lost wages.

This coverage will:

  • Support companies in various industries
  • Promote worker safety
  • Get employees back to work or transitional work
  • Provide access to training for new skills

Most states require companies with employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. But requirements vary from state to state.

Employees can receive workers' compensation insurance, regardless of who is at fault for the injuries or illness.

How Is Workers Compensation Different From Health Insurance?

One major difference between workers comp insurance and individual health insurance is that workers' compensation insurance applies only to workplace injuries, while the latter only applies to non-work injuries.

What Does Workers Compensation Benefits Cover In Iowa? 

Your insurance will cover the basics in Iowa, including medical care, temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, additional job displacement benefits, and a return-to-work supplement. Furthermore, death payments are covered by workers' compensation insurance.

The vast majority of workers compensation claims are quickly resolved.

However, issues may arise if you and your employer can't agree on whether you sustained the harm on the job and how much in benefits they are entitled to receive.

The following is a list of injured laborer benefit entitlements in Iowa.

  • Medical treatment fees
  • Temporary disability payments
  • Permanent disability payments
  • Life pension payments
  • Vocational retraining costs
  • The cost of burial death benefits

What Types Of Employee Injuries Does Workers Comp Not Cover In Iowa?

Workers' Compensation insurance covers most incidents that occur in the course and scope of employment, except for "off-the-job" occurrences.

In the end, each case must be decided on its own merits. However, there are instances when an insurance company would not cover an injured worker's claim. Some examples include:

  • Driving to/from work
  • Intoxication/intentional act
  • Horseplay
  • Intentional acts
  • Illegal activities
  • Policy violations
  • Terminated employees

How Many Employees Do You Need To Have Workers Comp In Iowa?

In Iowa, you only need 1 employee to be required by the Iowa labor code to purchase workers comp insurance. You must also pay for workers' compensation coverage if your workers are injured or ill due to their job.

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Who Needs Workers Comp Insurance In Iowa?

Iowa requires all employers to be covered by workers' compensation, even if you have only one person working for you. 

Which Industries Buy Workers Comp Policies In Iowa The Most?

Below is a list of industries that most often purchase workman's comp insurance for their new company or startup: 

  • Landscaping & Lawn Care
  • Food & Beverage
  • Legal
  • Accounting & Finance
  • Retail
  • Hair & Beauty
  • Fitness
  • Day Care
  • Commercial Cleaning
  • Heating & Air Conditioning

Who Is Exempt From Workers Comp Insurance Iowa?

Workers' compensation is necessary only for certain employees. In Iowa, it is not required for certain workers, which include:

  • Business owners/sole proprietors (aside from roofers)
  • Contractors
  • Domestic workers who are related to their employers
  • Individuals who work for aid (food, housing, etc.) rather than pay
  • Specific volunteers, including volunteers for non-profit organizations
  • Deputy sheriffs and deputy clerks
  • Students participating in amateur sporting events/amateur sports officials

Do Independent Contractors Need Workers Comp Insurance In Iowa?

No. Workers' compensation benefits are not available to independent contractors, and the workers' compensation system is only for employees.

The distinctions are crucial if you're hurt while working for a business. Because you are not currently employed with the company, the private insurance companies may refuse your workers comp claims. Many of the rules do not apply to contractors that work on an independent basis.

A subcontractor's status as a contractor may be used as a "subterfuge" to avoid employee status, which means that an employer might falsely claim that you are contracted independently to avoid paying you workers' compensation benefits.